domestic?

Its funny to me that we plant tomatoes, because neither of us particularly love them. I have however been cooking with more tomatoes lately- namely in the winter (ie taco soup. . . . .) so this past week Michael made note that if we don't do something with them they'll go bad. I'd heard bottling them is fairly easy so we decided to give it a try. We had enough for 4 pints which may seem like a good start, especially when you take into account its basically from one plant (Our others haven't done as well and now I think its getting too hot), but I'm used to watching my mom can . . . . . quarts by the hundreds people. It hardly seemed worth the trouble and the mess and about half way through the process I had some serious second thoughts (I mean a can only costs what, 60 cents?), but we DID IT! and I'm very proud all four bottles sealed :)

Its still up for debate whether I'll really do it again. . . . .

And what is a post without at least a couple pictures of our little monkey? She's well versed with the one cupboard that doesn't have a lock on it. She sits either inside or on the ledge like its her own little chair, and is happy as a clam.

thirty-something

Today is Michael's Birthday! YEA! YAHOO! YIPEE!!

We don't have a lot planned since we celebrated over the weekend. . . you know: shopping, dinner {the melting pot}, movie {x-men}. Michael picked out a few items for himself, one of which was his first pair of cowboy boots! I believe he can now officially claim himself a Texan. Incase you were wondering a few minutes after they were purchased they were on his feet, and yes he also wore them to church. I may have to get myself a pair soon too.
I asked him what he wanted for dinner tonight, full on expecting to be slaving away in the kitchen all day marinating some form of animal, to which he replied "taco salad". Apparently that's his favorite and was often his birthday meal of choice growing up. I'm not complaining. . . . cuz its EASY!!

Michael, I'm so glad you were born! (you know, and grew up and met me so we could grow old together.) You work so hard for us and our family. You make me smile everyday. I love watching you with Rylee. One of my favorites is watching her when she hears you come home: her eyes light up and she stops whatever she is doing and runs as fast as she can to you. I love when she chooses you over me, odly enough it makes me love you even more.

We both love you so much, and hope your day is wonderful.

{mmm - birthday kisses}

Memorial Weekend

We had a relatively mellow Memorial Day weekend. Since we basically lounged around all day Saturday we decided we'd best get some work done on Monday.

We have a few projects we (who am I kidding, its all Michael) are working on in the yard. One little cutie inparticular enjoyed being hauled around in the wheel barrow.

And here's a shot including some of this years garden. We doubled our square footage this year and its growing leaps and bounds above last year's crop. Its a learning process for me especially WHEN to plant (seriously, like feburary). Our tomato plants are humongeous and producing decently. We've got squash and pole beans starting to come on now. Our corn, zuccini, jalepeno and potatoes are close behind. That crooked little gopher smile is my favorite.

After all the hard work outside we had to cool down. Rylee thought the sprinkler was pretty interesting.

she didn't even mind when the water was spraying straight down her head. . . . although I think the hat helped.

"ah, refreshing."

and its rather convenient when you get thirsty too.

We hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing, reminicent holiday.

Growing up we always spent Memorial Day visiting cemetaries, honoring those we love who passed on. Being far away, I haven't been to those cemetaries in years, I kindof miss it. Especially Memorial day weekend. There's nothing quite like a blanket of flowers among headstones and flags for those who served in the Military (I know San Antonio has cemetaries, but its not the same). I've been thinking a lot lately about those that serve our country. Their families and loved ones they leave behind. I feel very grateful to them, for all they sacrifice, many their lives, for our freedom. We wouldn't be the Nation we are without them. Our flag flies tall and proud.

Bow Holder

Since Michael was away on business this past week I decided to get a little business done myself. I saw a tutorial online and got to work.

First item on the agenda: go to Good Will and get the cheapest frame bigger than an 8x10:
mission accomplished.

Prime. Paint. Glaze. Staple. Hang. Attach Bows.
and . . . . Done.

already in use:
Turns out I didn't actually finish by the time Michael got home and he assited in a few of those steps :)

Since we've been sporting pony and pig-tails lately its nice to have the accessories on hand {and in her bathroom}. I'm lovin' it!

another Momma?

In *sort of * keeping the Mother's theme . . . . .
A few weeks ago Michael asked if I'd seen this little number in the front yard:No, we hadn't moved the compost pile front and center. We discovered it fell from the birds nest 8 feet above it. I got curious (again) and got the ladder out to investigate further. I was surprised by by the uniqueness of the nest. It wasn't your typical 'bowled' birds nest. See that tiny hole? Yea, its on the SIDE of the hollowed out nest. kinda cool right? I was, however, a little disappointed it wasn't an open nest, making it difficult to see inside. In my efforts to keep my "human scent" far away I zoomed in and shot away. . . . . the more I look at this photo, the more I convince myself that that little 'fluff' in there is indeed a baby bird.

your thoughts? think I'm crazy?

Dear Rylee,

Thank you for making me a Mother; for giving me opportunities to wear matching hot pink and silver shoes, for teaching me what is really important in life, and helping mold me more into the person I want to be.
I cherish the title more than you know.

and I love you!

Love,

Momma

PS I've learned from the best.

Happy Mother's day to all you Mother's and a very Happy Mother's day to my own Mother and Mother-in-law. We love you too!

Camping

This past weekend we went camping at Garner State Park. It was fabulous! We decided this was probably the most successful camping trip we've had as a couple. ie it was more than one night (I have a hard time going through all the work it takes to camp for just one night), there were no alligators, few bugs, no rain. . . . the weather was great. We 'splurged' and got an electric site. It. was. awesome. We packed a fan (which we only had to use one night and during naps . . . thank you cool breeze), the 'snore-master' and the computer. Outdoor movie? yes please.


Furthermore, Rylee did great. The first night was the hardest as we arrived after dark and she'd fallen asleep in the car. She cried as we unpacked and then was a little worked up and freaked out about the inside of the tent, but warmed up after a while. The next morning she thought it was the coolest thing ever. She liked being able to roam the outdoors, eat dirt, try to chew rocks, eventually liked swimming (it was a little chilly at first touch) and hanging out with Dad for a whole 4 days!

Onto the pictures:

While shopping for a few items I came across this camping chair I couldn't resist. It was used for more of a climbing tool than a chair. Speaking of climbing- she did surprisingly well on the cement pad for the table- didn't even fall off once. Our site backed up to the Frio River. It was still a bit of a walk down to it but was nice to have some water relatively close- even if it was mostly ankle deep.

Who says only boys collect rocks?

The other side of the park was a damn. The water was mostly about waist deep there, but there were a few spots where we couldn't touch.

There were a few hiking trails. Since I forgot the Bjorn it was a little harder to take Rylee, but it was beautiful.

See, Texas isn't all flat.

I loved the giant cypress trees that lined the river. She's not crazy about the life jacket.

Her first pair of flip-flops:
The park had a little mini golf course. We hadn't gotten to the third whole before Michael had to go ask for another ball (somebody was ruining our game). She was funny to watch and made a pretty good caddy.

One night the park hosted an Astronomy club (they actually came from SA). There was probably about 15 or so people there with their equipment. We'd walk around from group to group looking through their telescopes and chatting about space. It was really kind of interesting and I thought really nice of them to come. Apparently their club meets weekly here in SA and it is also free to the public to go check out. I'd love to go check it out sometime.

There was also a pavilion where they have dances most weekends and every night in the summer. I thought that was really unique. It serves as a hang out spot for the locals - I kind of liked watching them 'practice'. Country music and country dancing is awesome. We danced a few songs and then headed back to our site.

When we weren't sleeping, eating, swimming, playing games, dancing, star-gazing, golfing, reading, watching movies, watching wild life or hiking we were lounging in our chairs loving every quiet moment. The park lived up to the hype and I can't wait to go back.

Garner State Park 2011 from tricia allsop on Vimeo.

The only downside was we discovered a hole in our air mattress and came home to find we'd left the garage door open all weekend. Oops. Thankfully we have sweet neighbors who watched out for us.

(this is possibly my longest post ever.)